Elevating lift dispenser and container for foodstuffs

ABSTRACT

Containers for foodstuffs which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container to prevent loss of freshness of the foodstuff or other contents. One operator uses a slot or groove which winds at least partially around a tubular operator which is engaged by a follower that extends from the elevator lift. The follower may also engage with a feature on an inside wall of the container to prevent rotation of the lift and provide relative longitudinal motion between the lift platform upon which chips or other foodstuffs are supported so that the contents can be adjusted for easy access. A removable lid allows controlled opening and closing or resealing of the container to keep the foodstuff contents fresh when not being dispensed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/076,386 filed Mar. 9, 2005. Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 or asotherwise provided by law is claimed. Such prior application isincorporated by reference entirely. Applicant further reserves the rightto withdraw this priority claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of the inventions relate to relatively small ormanually operated dispensing containers having an interior lift forraising contents, particularly foodstuffs, for easier removal by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of different foodstuffs that are provided in sealedcontainers which have a removable cap that can be remounted to resealthe container. Some of these containers are used to contain manufacturedpotato chips. As many have experienced when eating various brands ofpotato chips which are packaged in this manner, the relatively smalltubular size used to laterally contain the potato chips in a stackedconfiguration is relatively small in diameter and this makes itdifficult to manually extract the chips after a portion have beenpreviously removed.

Another problem many people encounter with containers is that as thechips are removed and what becomes the top chip recedes downwardly, thechips become increasingly difficult to grasp. This leads to shaking ofthe container and upsetting it to obtain the contents. This results inbreakage of the chips and then the broken chips are usually poured outonto one's hand and small pieces of the potato chips pass through thehand and onto the floor. This also requires the person eating the lastof the chips to hold his or her hand to their mouth. Some might considerthis poor etiquette or poor manners. Others just find it sloppy andmessy.

Such problems may also exist with other products to an extent that thetubular containers are not favored by the manufacturer. Such productsmight include corn chips, cookies, crackers, dough, other food items, oreven non-food items.

Prior attempts to address these problems have been to shorten the heightof the containers. This improves access to some degree, butsignificantly increases the costs associated with packaging. Forexample, one company well-known for this type of packaging for potatochips has come out with a six-pack of small containers which are shortenough to allow easy access. However, each of these reduced sizepackages has to be filled, safety sealed and provided with an individualcap and canister. This is demonstrative of the level of ordinary skillin this art. Other approaches may also have been attempted, but to datenone has fully addressed the problems to the complete satisfaction ofconsumers. Concerns about these issues have been expressed for manyyears to those choosing to package products in this manner. Somemanufacturers have not adopted this type of product and packagingbecause of consumer frustration over the breakage of the theoretically“perfect” potato or other chip or foodstuff.

Thus, there has been a long-felt need in the container art for aninexpensive, and/or manually operated dispensing container that providesbetter access to remove products or product pieces held in a tubular orother suitably shaped container. This need has been particularly acutewhere the contents are preferably removed by first removing a containercap which is used to seal the container and protect the sealed contentsafter such contents have been dispensed.

Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may behelped or solved by the inventions shown and described herein. Suchinventions may also be used to address other problems not set out aboveor which develop or are appreciated at a later time. The future may alsobring to light unknown or currently unappreciated benefits which may bein the future be recognized or appreciated from the novel inventionsshown and described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating toand helping to describe preferred versions of the inventions areexplained and characterized herein, often with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein alsoserve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the currentapplication whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosurealone. Such drawings are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a container having novel featuresaccording to the inventions taught herein. A portion of the containerhas been removed to show additional aspects and features of theinventions.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the interior lift in isolation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the interior lift of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the operator of FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the operator of FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the container structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the assembly of FIG. 1 with theelevator lift in a low position.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the assembly of FIG. 1 with theelevator lift in a partially raised position relative to the position ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a second embodiment implementing featuresand aspects of the inventions described herein.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the assembled container shown in theembodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a third embodiment implementing furtherfeatures and aspects of the inventions described herein.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the third embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded sectional view of a fourth embodiment accordingto inventions hereof.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing key components of afifth embodiment according to the inventions hereof.

FIG. 19 is an exploded sectional view of the embodiment shown in part inFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with a capinstalled thereon and the lift mechanism moved upwardly relative to theposition of the lift as shown in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Table Listing Subsections of Detailed Description

A table of subsections for the detailed description is set out below.Table of Subsections Table Listing Subsections of Detailed DescriptionIntroductory Notes First Embodiment and Some Common Features GeneralConfiguration Cannister Portion and Closure Cap Lift Assembly LiftOperator Lift Anti-Rotation Features Second Embodiment GenerallyCannister Cap or Closure Lift Assembly Operator Longitudinal RetainerTubular Operator Flexibility Features Third Embodiment Plural Camming orOperating Features Lift Assembly With Plural Guide Extensions LiftPosition Indicator Fourth Embodiment Operator Tube Safety Seal RemovableCap Fifth Embodiment Cannister Cannister Lift Operator Features InnerPart or Tube Lift More About Methods Performed and Manners of UseMethods Concerning Manner of Use Manner of Use of Fifth Embodiment Moreabout Preferred Manners of Making Interpretation NotesIntroductory Notes

The readers of this document should understand that the embodimentsdescribed herein may rely on terminology used in any section of thisdocument and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and thelanguage common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such asknown or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were usedin the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in thepreparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary(©1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, ©1989), and TheNew Century Dictionary (©2001-2005), all of which are herebyincorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein andfor application and use of words defined in such references to moreadequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and conceptsshown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words havingmeanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.

This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shownin one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with otherembodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects ofthe invention and provide additional embodiments of the inventions. Thereaders of this document should further understand that the embodimentsdescribed herein may rely on terminology and features used in anysection or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readilyapparent from the drawings and language common or proper therefor.

Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the invention and thetext of both claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into thedescription entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology usedwith one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing anddefining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.

First Embodiment and Some Common Features

General Configuration

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of apparatus or assembly 1 accordingto some of the inventions set out herein. Apparatus 1 is used for bothcontaining and elevating contents held within a container body to form acombined container and dispenser apparatus. This apparatus is generallyreferred to by the reference number 1.

The assembly has an outer piece which forms a container body or canister51 and a removable cap or other suitable closure 52. The cap or otherclosure preferably snaps onto and off of the open end of the containerbody or canister. Alternatively, other types of closures having threads,bayonet features or other means adapted for securing the closure to thecanister. Additionally, there may be a safety seal (not shown) appliedafter packing the canister to assure the consumer that the product hasnot been opened and contents removed, tampered with or adulterated inany manner.

An operator 30 is positioned within the container interior and can bemanipulated to allow torque to be applied thereto. The operatorpreferably has a slot or groove 32 which curves up the side of theoperator and engages with a follower 15 extending from the lift. Theslot or groove 32 has an upper edge 33 and a lower edge 34. As FIG. 1illustrates the lower edge 34 may be provided with serrations, teeth orother mechanisms, such as simply friction, to help or prevent the liftfrom descending after the lift is elevated if such is desired.

The container also preferably includes a longitudinal feature orfeatures which restrict or prevent rotary movement of the end of thefollower, thus keeping the lift assembly from rotating with the operatortube. The operator is turned in the appropriate direction and the liftmoves upwardly as the follower is pushed up by the helically curved orotherwise appropriately shaped slot or groove. The serrations describedabove may also be configured and constructed to provide resistance tokeep the lift at a given elevation or maintain it at a desired elevationyet allow any retraction into the container which might be desired asdepends upon the contents and dispensing and/or sealed containmentfunctions may best be employed.

Canister Portion and Closure Cap

The container 1 has a canister portion 51. Canister 51 is preferablyelongated, and more preferably tubular. The tubular configuration isdesirably provided with a consistent cross-sectional size and shape. Asshown, the canister is cylindrical and can otherwise be suitably shapedto allow operation of the apparatus.

Canister 51 is preferably adapted to engage with a cap or closure 52 toform a substantially sealed interior when the cap or other closure isinstalled upon or closed with the canister.

Lift Assembly

FIGS. 2-4 in particular show one preferred lift assembly 10. As shown,lift assembly 10 includes a floor 12 surrounded by an annular sidewall11. The floor 12 supports foodstuffs, such as potato chips 5 as shown inFIG. 1. The annular sidewall helps to maintain proper positioning offoodstuff pieces 5 or other contents and reduces the risk of breakage orother damage. It also facilitates co-linear sliding within the operator,such as operator tube 31.

The lower surface of the floor is preferably recessed to form a liftbottom recess 14. An aperture 16 allows a rod or other appropriatelyshaped follower 15 to extend from the lift assembly. The follower 15 maybe adhered to, otherwise affixed, or be part of the lift assembly. Thefollower is intended to be maintained within a groove 53 described morefully below.

Lift Operator

The preferred apparatus has an operator 30. Operator 30 advantageouslyincludes an operator feature for moving the lift assembly up and down.As shown, the operator has a feature which forces the follower inresponse to torque or turning force applied thereto. As shown, suchfeature is advantageously in the form of a slot 32 or groove formed inthe sidewall of the operator tube 31. The slot 32 shown may includeserrated teeth or serrations 34 along the lower portions of the slot.The upper edge 33 of the slot 32 may be smooth or otherwise desirablyshaped. The extending portion of the lift follower 15 is engaged withthe operator slot or other suitable feature, thus moving the liftassembly up or down as the operator tube is rotated.

To facilitate smooth action, the operator is preferably cylindricallyshaped as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for rotary and/or longitudinal movementwithin the container interior cavity. Alternative mechanical operatorsare also possible.

Lift Anti-Rotation Features

Canister 51 advantageously includes a lift anti-rotator in the form ofguide feature 53 along an inner or inside wall. As shown, the guidefeature is a groove 53 which receives the distal end of the follower 15.The guide keeps the lift assembly from rotating as the operator isturned to raise or lower the lift assembly. This allows the operatorslot or groove to move the lift assembly elevationally.

Second Embodiment

Generally

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a second preferred embodiment according to theinventions hereof. Corresponding features used in container anddispenser apparatus 101 are labeled using reference numbers that are thesame as used in the first embodiment with an added 100. Thus, suchcommon features to both apparatuses 1 and 101 will not be repeated forsake of brevity. Significantly differing features included in apparatus101 will now be described in greater.

Canister

Canister 151 is similar to canister 51 but modified by providing acanister groove or furrow 161 that preferably extends about theperiphery. As shown, this is implemented by placing the furrow 161 nearthe upper portion of the canister. The function of this modification isfurther described below.

Canister 151 also has a guide 153 which is also described in furtherdetail below.

Cap or Closure

FIGS. 12 and 13 show that the cap 152 or other suitable closure issomewhat differently shaped than cap 52. It is advantageously providedwith a seal 154. Seal 154 and cap 152 are constructed so as to retainthe seal 154 in position within the cap by a peripheral wall having aninward extension 155. Seal 154 is advantageously a flexible or resilientseal which may be made of a variety of suitable materials, in particularfood grade elastomeric materials in the form of an O-ring. A variety ofsuitable materials are known in the art.

Lift Assembly

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modified lift assembly 110. Lift assembly 110 hasa floor 112 which is at or toward the top and with depending side walls111. The follower 115 extends outwardly and is received in the cammingslot 132 in a manner similar to the first embodiment.

Operator

Apparatus 101 operates in a manner very similar to apparatus 1. Itdiffers therefrom with regard to the longitudinal retainer described indetail below. FIG. 12 indicates that the preferred operator is in theform of a camming slot 132 with serrations (not illustrated) along thelower portion 134 of the slot 132. The upper edge of the slot 133 isspaced from the lower portion by a distance that allows the follower 115to be moved by tubular operator 131. Cam slot 132 forces the liftassembly as the operator tube is rotated.

The follower 115 is held by retainer 160 and thus the lift assembly 110is forced to move upwardly when properly turned. The lift assembly 110does not rotate with the tubular operator because of the engagementbetween follower 115 and the longitudinal retainer 160.

Longitudinal Retainer

Another aspect that the second embodiment differs with regard to thefirst embodiment is by preferably having a longitudinal retainer 160.The longitudinal retainer helps to retain the operator tube 131 inproper longitudinal position relative to the canister 151. As shown,this is provided by having the canister retainer groove or furrow 161formed along the interior wall of the canister. In the embodimentillustrated, the retainer furrow is provided by having the canister wallformed to a larger diameter at both the interior wall and exterior wallof the canister. Other configurations may serve to also be suitable.

The longitudinal retainer 160 also includes a projection 162 formedabout the tubular operator. Other complementary relationships can alsobe used relative to the canister and operator to help the longitudinalposition to be maintained in a nearly or totally restrained condition toaid operation and also possibly help prevent breakage of the fragilecontents, such as potato or other chips.

Tubular Operator Flexibility Features

To allow assembly of the tubular operator into the canister, the upperportion of the operator has not only the projection 162, but alsoflexibility slots 141. Slots 141 are provided at various circumferentialpositions to provide the needed flexibility so as to allow assembly ofthe operator tube 131 into the canister 151.

Third Embodiment

Plural Camming or Operating Features

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a third preferred embodiment according toinventions described herein. Apparatus 201 is constructed in mostrespects similar to the second embodiment 101. Similar features withother embodiments are numbered similarly except they have 200 addedthereto and therefore not repeated in their description.

The primary differences are with regard to having a plurality of cammingfeatures. The plural camming features are used to aid or improve inbalanced operation of the lift assembly.

As shown, apparatus 201 has not only a camming or operating slot 232,but also one or more camming or operating features 272, 274 and 276. Thefeatures 272, 274 and 276 are in the form of grooves which receive thealignment projections 271, 273 and 275 which are on lift 210. Theprojection 215 extends through a slot 232 which is open through theoperator tube. As the operator is rotated or otherwise moved, then forceis transferred from the operator to the lift and the lift is movedupwardly with plural points of force application. The plural points offorce application are preferably spaced about the operator and theengagement locations. Even more preferably, the plural points of forceapplication between the operator and lift are approximately evenlyspaced, such as at approximately evenly spaced angular positions aboutthe operator when in the form of a tubular operator. As FIG. 15indicates this is conveniently done at approximately 90 degree angularlyspaced positions. Alternatively, other numbers of force application andengagement positions and configurations made be used as is suitable toprovide the degree of smoothness is operation as desired.

Lift Assembly With Plural Guide Extensions

FIGS. 14-16 further show that the lift assembly is constructed toprovide an anti-rotation extension 215 which is received in a guidetract 253. Additionally, the lift assembly has plural guide extensions271, 273, 275 at spaced positions about the lift assembly as explainedabove. As shown the guide extensions are spaced at quarter points of thelift assembly when combined with the anti-rotation extension 215. Theplural guides are preferably spaced at approximately equal angularpositions. This configuration provides the operator tube withapplication of force more equally distributed about the lift forsmoother operation.

In the preferred version shown, the extensions 271, 273 and 275 extendfrom mounting arms defined by cutout regions 280. The mounting armsprovide dimensional flexibility which facilitate assembly and operationof the lift assembly 210 into and by the operator tube 251.

In another aspect it should be appreciated that by using only one slot232 and other camming features 271, 273 and 275 which are solid, thenthe strength and structural rigidity of the operator, such as operatortube 230, can be maintained at a higher strength and rigidity for agiven amount of material used.

Lift Position Indicator

FIGS. 14-16 and FIG. 16 in particular shows that the operator tube 230has an upper end or brim 239 which extends longitudinally beyond theupper end 259 of the canister portion. This extended brim may be markedwith a suitable arrow, line or other indicator which is moved relativeto a canister indicator on end 259 to provide a visual indication of theapproximate relative position of the operator tube in relation to thecanister. Exemplary indicator markings can be included that indicate thecanister is full, at some intermediate position, or near the top for theconvenience of the user.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment 301 otherwise like the thirdembodiment 201 except as described next. Similar features with otherembodiments are numbered similarly except they have 300 added theretoand therefore not repeated in their description.

Operator Tube

Fourth embodiment 301 has an operator tube 331 and canister 351 whichhave top edges 339 and 359, respectfully, which extend about theopening. The top edges are advantageously made so that they are at ornearly equal with regard to their longitudinal position. Thus, theoperator tube does not extend outside the canister.

Safety Seal

The fourth embodiment also advantageously includes a safety seal 388which has a removal tab 389. The safety seal 388 is adhered otherwisesuitable attached to the upper ends of the operator tube 331 andcanister 351. A removal tab 389 is advantageously included to allow auser to manually grasp the safety seal and pull it from the apparatus toreveal the opening. The safety seal is intended to prevent tampering oradulteration of the contents. It is removed upon initial or firstopening and then discarded.

Removable Cap

After the safety seal has been initially removed the cap 352 is used byinstalling or re-installing it onto the canister and remaining parts ofthe apparatus to effectively reseal the interior chamber. Cap 352 isremoved to allow removal of the foodstuffs or other contents. Removal ofcap 352 also allows a user to manually insert the users fingers orotherwise suitable apply force or torque to the operator and therebyoperate the lift.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 18-20 show a fifth preferred embodiment 401 according toinventions taught herein. Similar features with other embodiments arenumbered similarly except they have 400 added thereto and therefore notrepeated in their description.

Canister

The fifth embodiment apparatus 401 has a lower or canister portion 451which is similar to the canister 351 of the fourth embodiment. The areasof difference will now be described.

Canister 451 advantageously has a longitudinal restraint feature 461used to help maintain the relative longitudinal position betweencanister 451 and the inner member 431. As shown, the inner member has aprojecting rib 462 which extends into a receiving furrow 461 as isexplained hereinabove in detail.

Canister 451 differs in that it is provided with features that form partof the operator. More specifically, the canister may have and preferablydoes have features which function as part of the operator used to movethe lift 410.

Canister Lift Operator Features

The preferred features of the canister 451 which serve as part of theoperator are advantageously used to force the lift 410. As shown, thisis advantageously done in the form of inwardly extending features, suchas the inwardly extending projections which are shaped to help move thelift longitudinally in response to movement, such as rotation of theinner member or tube 431. As shown, this is done using advancingprojections, such as a series of helical projections 490, 492, 494, and496. Such projections are advantageously formed so as to extend twicearound the interior wall of the canister. This configuration can also beconsidered a four lead interior thread configuration which moves thelift 410 from near the low position to the top position after tworelative rotations between the inner part or tube 431 and the outer orcanister part 451.

Inner Part or Tube

FIG. 18 shows that the inner part or tube 431 has top features providingthe longitudinal retainer 460 as described above specifically theprojection 462 that extend into furrow 461 of the outer tube and thereare flexibility slots 441 (FIG. 18).

The inner tube 431 is also provided with longitudinal guide slots 482,484, 486 and 488 which are spaced angularly to receive the projectionsof the lift 410 which are numbered 481, 483, 485 and 487.

Lift

Contrary to other embodiments the lift in this fifth embodiment providesthat the lift 410 rotate with the inner part or tube 431. The liftprojections 481, 483, 485 and 487 which are advantageously mounted onflexible arms as described hereinabove. The lift projections extendthrough the longitudinal slots 481, 483, 485 and 487 and are advanced bythe interior helical projections 490, 492, 494 and 496 which are formedon the inner wall of the outer tube or canister. In operation, the innerpart and lift rotate together and the lift moves upward such as betweenthe positions of the lift shown in FIG. 19 to an elevated or extendedlift position as shown in FIG. 20.

More About Methods Performed and Manners of Use

Methods Concerning Manner of Use

The invention is typically used by installing the parts into theassemblies shown and described above. FIG. 10 shows the lift assemblyrelatively low within the canister 51. Cap 52 is removed and the personoperating the apparatus 1 applies torque to the operator which turns inresponse thereto.

As the follower is held against rotating by engaging with the guidegroove or other guide feature 52 the apparatus functions as ananti-rotating mechanism. The follower extends through the cam slot 32formed in the operator, such as operator tube 31. Turning of theoperator 31 is performed by applying torque to the operator. Thisturning action causes the follower to be forced upwardly or downwardlydepending on the direction of rotating movement and shape and slope ofthe cam slot 32.

Operating the apparatus by turning the operator 31 in the properdirection forces the lift assembly upward. This results in elevating thelift assembly and presenting the contents supported upon the liftassembly to a user in a conveniently available position. Thus theapparatus functions by operating the operator which functions bytypically elevating the lift assembly and any supported foodstuffs orother contents.

The operating is preferably performed so as to provide positioning ofthe lift assembly at an elevation wherein the next chip, treat or othercontents are near the top opening of the canister. The user thentypically uses the device simply by operating the operator, such as byrotating the operator tube by torquing the tube or angularly displacingthe operator tube.

Although this is preferably done in a simple, inexpensive manuallyoperated device, other implementations are also possible to perform thedesired functions and methods of operation. In a preferred applicationof use, potato chips 5 or other appropriate foodstuffs, such as cookies,crackers or other items are elevated into position for easy manualgrasping and dispensing of the foodstuff or other contents.

Methods according hereto may also include restraining the lift toprevent downward motion. This may be accomplished by using teeth orserrations which perform a catching function. This is advantageouslyused in preventing the lift assembly from inadvertently dropping withinthe canister. The maintaining of the lift assembly may be by serrations34 which retard movement of the follower 15 within the operator slot 32.Alternatively the operator may be prevented from inadvertent movement byproperly sizing the operator with respect to the canister to providefrictional restraining of the operator.

As the lift assembly moves up (or theoretically also downward) thefollower tends to stay within or against the canister guide feature 53which performs an anti-rotating function.

Upon removal of the desired contents, the operator can be turned tolower the lift assembly if desired, needed or as allowed depending onthe specific embodiment used.

It is noteworthy that the methods are performed with both the contentsand operator fully within the inside of canister 51. Thus the methodsmay further be described as having a opening and closing capability byremoving or installing the cap or other closure 52. The cap ispreferably held in position by snap fitting the cap over a top marginalrim of the canister to thus provide an enclosing function which acts bysealing or substantially sealing the interior of the apparatus.

Manner of Use of Fifth Embodiment

According to the fifth embodiment the manners of use and methodsperformed thereby include selecting an assembly having the featuresdescribed hereinabove with regard to the fifth embodiment. The methodsfurther may include removing any safety seal, such as the illustratedsafety seal 500 as may be facilitated by pulling on the tab 501. Oncethe safety seal has been removed, then the opening of the apparatus isdone by removing the cap 452. Conversely, closing or resealing theapparatus is accomplished by installing the cap 452 onto the top of theapparatus and thus substantially sealing or re-sealing the apparatusthus helping by maintaining freshness of the contents and containingthem within the container apparatus.

The operational methods performed include rotating the inner part ortube 431 relative to the outer part or canister. This also causesrotating of the lift 410. The lift 410 is adapted and positioned suchthat rotating the tube 431 and lift assembly results in engaging of thelift engagement extensions relative to the inward features of the outerpart or tube. The inwardly directed and preferred helices cause the liftengagement features to advance up or otherwise toward the openingthrough which the contents can be removed. The relative rotating of thetwo parts causes in practical use lifting of the foodstuffs upwardly forfacilitating manually grasping the foodstuffs.

After the lift has been operated by moving and positioning the lift to adesired position then the user may perform by removing contents. This isusually done by simply engaging the hands and fingers of the user withthe foodstuff and extracting them at the convenient position achieved byadjusting the lift height by turning the inner tube relative to theouter tube.

After the user has eaten or otherwise acted by removing or extractingthe contents to the degree or extent desired; then, the preferredmethods include resealing the apparatus by installing the cap onto theopen end and occluding the opening in a substantially sealingrelationship.

More About Preferred Manners of Making

Other methods according to the current inventions may includeconstructing or making or providing a suitable container or containershaving the various described features. The container may be made frompaper fiber material as is well known in current containers of thistype. The making also advantageously includes selecting a canistermaterial that is made by coating or layering the inside, outside or bothof the canister with low permeability materials such as aluminum orother metallic coating along the inner wall, outer wall or both.Alternatively, the inner wall, outer wall or both may be made by usingother coatings having low air permeability or selecting materials of lowpermeability to effect maintaining of the flavor of the contents withinthe container as sold and after resealing with the installing of the capor other closure.

Alternatively, the apparatuses according hereto may be molded, such asin plastic, glass, appropriate metals according to known techniques.They may also be fabricated from these and other materials indicatedabove and equivalents thereof. It is currently believed that onesuitable form of manufacturing the components of the inventions is by atechnique commonly referred to as blow molding. This in particularappears to be appropriate to the inner tube and outer canister.Alternatively, the canister may in some or all forms be made usingpaperboard or mixtures of a variety of suitable materials used and nowknown or hereafter developed for the packaging industry and the foodpackaging industry in most applications.

The making processes may also include positioning the lift assembly madeof suitable materials, such as by selecting food grade plastics orpaperboard which is either coated or uncoated as needed. The liftassembly is assembled into the apparatus by inserting it into theoperator, such as by inserting it into the operator tube as indictedabove. The operator can then be further assembled into the apparatus byinstalling the operator into the canister. Optionally, the apparatus maybe assembled by applying a safety seal to perform a safety sealing ofthe contents until the time of sale.

In the embodiments having a longitudinal restraint construction, theoperator is assembled by inserting the operator until the longitudinalrestraint couples with the complementary furrow or restraining featurewhich is advantageously included during the manufacturing of thecanister.

Interpretation Notes

The above description has set out various features, functions, methodsand other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard tothe currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and furtherdevelopment may change the manner in which the various aspects areimplemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of theclaims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed.

The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claimsis not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes,features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shownand described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied inother forms while still being within the concepts shown, described andclaimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions whichcan be made without departing from the scope of concepts properlyprotected hereby.

1. An apparatus forming a container for foodstuff contents that holdsand can controllably seal the foodstuff contents therein and alsoprovide a lift for lifting the foodstuff contents for easier removal bya user as the contents are consumed, comprising: an outer containerhaving an interior cavity, at least one sidewall, a closed end wall andan open end through which contents are dispensed therefrom; at least oneremovable cover which is adapted to seal the container when installedthereon to help preserve the contents; an operator which is receivedwithin the container interior cavity; an interior lift movable withinthe interior cavity; at least on follower forming part of the interiorlift; an operator lift actuator which is on the operator for engagingwith said at least on follower; whereby movement of the operator causesthe interior lift to move upwardly to present contents supported uponthe interior lift to be moved upwardly and foodstuffs be dispensed atdifferent interior lift elevations to facilitate dispensing thereof. 2.An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the operator has a cam featurewhich is engaged by the at least one follower.
 3. An apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich is engaged by the at least one follower.
 4. An apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves up the side of the operator and is engaged by the at leastone follower.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the operatorhas a cam feature in the form of a slot having serrations which curvesup the side of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower.6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the operator has a camfeature in the form of a slot having serrations which curves in anapproximate helical shape up the side of the operator and is engaged bythe at least one follower.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe follower also engages a longitudinal feature formed along an innersidewall of the container.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe follower also engages a longitudinal feature formed along an innersidewall of the container and said longitudinal feature is a groove. 9.An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the operator has a cam featurein the form of a slot having serrations which curves up the side of theoperator and is engaged by the at least one follower.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the formof a slot which curves up the side of the operator and is engaged by theat least on follower; the follower also engages a longitudinal featureformed along an inner sidewall of the container.
 11. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the formof a slot which curves in an approximate helical shape up the side ofthe operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; the followeralso engages a longitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall ofthe container.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: theoperator has a cam feature in the form of a slot having serrations whichcurves in an approximate helical shape up the side of the operator andis engaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container.13. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the operator has a camfeature in the form of a slot which curves up the side of the operatorand is engaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container andsaid longitudinal feature is a groove.
 14. An apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves in an approximate helical shape up the side of the operatorand is engaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container andsaid longitudinal feature is a groove.
 15. An apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slothaving serrations which curves in an approximate helical shape up theside of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; thefollower also engages a longitudinal feature formed along an innersidewall of the container and said longitudinal feature is a groove. 16.An apparatus forming a container for foodstuff contents that holds andcan controllably seal the foodstuff contents therein and also provide alift for lifting the foodstuff contents for easier removal by a user asthe contents are consumed, comprising: an outer container having aninterior cavity, at least one sidewall, a closed end wall and an openend through which contents are dispensed therefrom; at least oneremovable cover which is adapted to seal the container when installedthereon to help preserve the contents; an interior lift movable withinthe interior cavity at least toward the open end; at least one operatorwhich is received within the container interior cavity to move theinterior lift and any supported contents toward the open end in responseto operation of said at least one operator by the user.
 17. An apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein said operator turns within the outercontainer.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the operatorincludes at least one cam feature which forces the interior lift tomove.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the operator has acam feature in the form of a slot which curves up the side of theoperator and is engaged by the at least one follower.
 20. An apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the formof a slot having serrations which curves up the side of the operator andis engaged by the at least one follower.
 21. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slothaving serrations which curves in an approximate helical shape up theside of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower.
 22. Anapparatus according to claim 16 wherein the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container.23. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the follower also engagesa longitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the containerand said longitudinal feature is a groove.
 24. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slothaving serrations which curves up the side of the operator and isengaged by the at least one follower.
 25. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves up the side of the operator and is engaged by the at leastone follower; the follower also engages a longitudinal feature formedalong an inner sidewall of the container.
 26. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves in an approximate helical shape up the side of the operatorand is engaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container.27. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein: the operator has a camfeature in the form of a slot having serrations which curves in anapproximate helical shape up the side of the operator and is engaged bythe at least one follower; the follower also engages a longitudinalfeature formed along an inner sidewall of the container.
 28. Anapparatus according to claim 16 wherein: the operator has a cam featurein the form of a slot which curves up the side of the operator and isengaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container andsaid longitudinal feature is a groove.
 29. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves in an approximate helical shape up the side of the operatorand is engaged by the at least one follower; the follower also engages alongitudinal feature formed along an inner sidewall of the container andsaid longitudinal feature is a groove.
 30. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slothaving serrations which curves in an approximate helical shape up theside of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; thefollower also engages a longitudinal feature formed along an innersidewall of the container and said longitudinal feature is a groove. 31.An apparatus having a canister with an opening which can be controllablyopened and closed using a closure, and a mechanism within the canisterwhich has an interior lift which can be operated to raise or movefoodstuffs toward the opening for access by a user wishing to remove thefoodstuffs.
 32. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said operatorturns within the canister.
 33. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherethe operator includes at least one cam feature which forces the interiorlift to move.
 34. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein theoperator has a cam feature in the form of a slot which curves up theside of the operator and is engaged by at least one follower.
 35. Anapparatus according to claim 31 wherein the operator has a cam featurein the form of a slot having serrations which curves up the side of theoperator and is engaged by the at least one follower.
 36. An apparatusaccording to claim 31 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the formof a slot having serrations which curves in an approximate helical shapeup the side of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower.37. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the follower also engagesa longitudinal restraint to resist longitudinal movement of the operatorrelative to the canister.
 38. An apparatus according to claim 31 whereinthe mechanism includes a guide feature formed along an inner sidewall ofthe container to prevent rotation of the interior lift.
 39. An apparatusaccording to claim 31 wherein the operator has a cam feature in the formof a slot having serrations which curves up the side of the operator andis engaged by the at least one follower.
 40. An apparatus according toclaim 31 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slotwhich curves up the side of the operator and is engaged by the at leastone follower; the follower also engages a longitudinal guide featureformed along an inner sidewall of the container.
 41. An apparatusaccording to claim 31 wherein: the operator has a cam feature in theform of a slot which curves in an approximate helical shape up the sideof the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; thefollower also engages a longitudinal guide feature formed along an innersidewall of the container.
 42. An apparatus according to claim 31wherein: the operator has a cam feature in the form of a slot havingserrations which curves in an approximate helical shape up the side ofthe operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; the followeralso engages a longitudinal guide feature formed along an inner sidewallof the container.
 43. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein: theoperator has a cam feature in the form of a slot which curves up theside of the operator and is engaged by the at least one follower; thefollower also engages a longitudinal feature formed along an innersidewall of the container and said longitudinal feature is a groove. 44.An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein: the operator has a camfeature in the form of a slot which curves in an approximate helicalshape up the side of the operator and is engaged by the at least onefollower; the follower also engages a longitudinal feature formed alongan inner sidewall of the container and said longitudinal feature is agroove.
 45. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein: the operator hasa cam feature in the form of a slot having serrations which curves in anapproximate helical shape up the side of the operator and is engaged bythe at least one follower; the follower also engages a longitudinalfeature formed along an inner sidewall of the container and saidlongitudinal feature is a groove.
 46. A method for containing anddispensing foodstuffs, comprising: selecting an apparatus having acanister with an opening and an interior compartment, an enclosed liftoperator substantially within said canister interior compartment, and aremovable closure which can be used to controllably open or reseal thecanister; packing said canister with at least one foodstuff; removingsaid closure; operating the lift operator to move said at least onefoodstuff toward the opening; removing at least portions of said atleast one foodstuff; resealing said canister by installing the closureover the opening in said canister.
 47. A method for containing anddispensing foodstuffs, comprising packing a canister with at least onefoodstuff by installing the at least one foodstuff into the canisterthrough an opening and positioning said foodstuff upon an adjustablelift and sealing the canister with a closure.